Mental Health Legislation and the 2023 Indiana General Assembly

On February 14th, Indiana Senate Bill 1 was referred to the House of Representatives with unanimous approval from the Senate. This behavioral health matters bill was written by Senator Michael Crider and is expected to make major improvements to how the state responds to mental health issues. If passed, SB1 would allow Medicaid recipients to pay for community behavioral health clinic services through reimbursements. It would also establish the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission as well as a confidential hotline for people who are in distress or seeking mental health services. The House has also referred a mental health bill to the Senate, HB 1006. Where these two bills diverge is their target populations. SB 1 primarily focuses on those who qualify for Medicaid whereas HB 1006 focuses on those who are incarcerated or have been incarcerated. If enacted, HB 1006 would allow those who have been arrested and are in need of mental health services, to be committed to a facility where they can receive proper care. It would also create a referral program for inmates to receive counselling services. 

​If you or someone you know is currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis, please call 988 to reach Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained crisis specialist 24/7. For more information on 9-8-8, CLICK HERE. 

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